RUI: Proteins as Guidance for Regioselective Modification of Steroids and Disaccharides

本研究的重点是发展一种通过底物与生物大分子的特异性结合来赋予有机合成区域选择性的方法。为了证明这种方法的可行性，将进行两个具有很大应用潜力的项目。首先，牛血清白蛋白（BSA）将用于指导类固醇的区域选择性还原。第二，凝集素（例如，伴刀豆球蛋白A）将用于指导二糖如乳糖和蜜二糖的区域选择性修饰。这些区域选择性是基于蛋白质的特异性和独特的结合特性。这种新的方法可能是有用的，在新的商业重要性的改性类固醇和碳水化合物的发展。本科生将在团队环境中参与本研究的各个阶段，从实验设计，合成，仪器操作，到数据收集和分析。这不仅培养了他们在生物化学和有机化学方面的技术技能，还提高了他们在这些领域从事研究事业的兴趣。

The focus of this research is to develop a methodology for conferring regioselectivity in organic syntheses through specific binding of substrates to biological macromolecules. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, two projects with strong application potential will be undertaken. First, bovine serum albumin (BSA) will be used to guide the regioselective reduction of steroids. Second, a lectin (e.g., concanavalin A) will be used to guide the regioselective modification of disaccharides such as lactose and melibiose. These regioselectivities are based on the proteins' specific and unique binding properties. This new method may be useful in the development of new modified steroids and carbohydrates of commercial importance. Undergraduate students will be involved at all stages of this research in a team environment, from experimental design, synthesis, instrumental operation, to data collection and analysis. This not only trains them technical skills in biochemistry and organic chemistry, but also boosts their interest in pursuing research careers in these fields.